ن : مصطفی امیری
The Seven Labors of Isfandiyar
Translated by: Mostafa Amiri, Faculty member of the Islamic Azad University, Varamin-Pishva Branch
Table of contents:
Gushtasb ascends to the throne
The Valor of Isfandiyar
Guzarm stimulates his father and he is put in prison
Arjasb invades Iran
Isfandiyar is released to rescue the kingdom
Gurgar requests permission to oppose Isfandiyar
Gurgsar is taken prisoner and Turanians defeated
Isfandiyar proceeds to Arjasb by the Haft-Khan
First Stage
Second Stage
Third Stage
Fourth Sstage
Fifth Stage
Sixth Stage
Seven Stage
Capture of the Rouin Dezh and return of Isfandiyar
Gushtasb ascends to the throne
The Iranian throne saw many a monarch before Gushtasb took over the reins of the kingdom. After ascension to the throne, Gushtasb proceeded to the conquest of other kingdoms and subdued their rulers. But Arjasb, king of Turan, disobeyed him and decided to engage in war with him. Gushtasb assembled a great army of warriors and rushed to the battlefield. A bloody war broke out between the two armies. The Iranian champions engaged in war individually; they killed many, and were at last killed themselves, until Zarir the champion, brother of Gushtasb, also rushed amidst the Turanian host, laid many of them lifeless on the field and was finally bathed in his own blood.
The Valor of Isfandiyar
The news of Zarir’s death deeply affected Gushtasb, who decided to take vengeance. Isfandiyar, son of Gushtasb, presented himself and anxiously asked permission to take Zarir’s vengeance. His wish was granted, and he galloped to the battlefield. He roared like a lion and laid many of the enemy’s warriors lifeless on each attack. The Turaninan troops who were no match for Isfandiyar’s valor gave up the struggle and started to retreat. Thus Isfandiyar led the Iranian army to victory. Rejoicing at the glorious result, Gushtasb commanded a great banquet to celebrate the victory, in which Isfandiyar was met with every honorary compliment.
Guzarm stimulates his father agianst him and he is put in Prison
Gurazm, an Iranian warrior, was secretly envious of the affection and regard with which Gushtasb treated his son. He seized every opportunity to slander the young prince. One day, after much flattery of the king, he told Gushtasb, “I have important intelligence, which I’ll presently communicate to you.” He then revealed that Isfandiyar meditated dethroning the king and securing the empire to himself. The accusations by Gurazm produced great vexation in the mind of Gushtasb who summoned his son to his presence. Upon Isfandiyar’s arrival at the court, Gushtasb addressed him in hard words, “I treated you with affection and regard; taught you art of warfare and championship; and crowned you as my successor. Now, why am I being treated so unkind? And why should you desire my death and my crown?” To this grave accusation, Isfandiyar replied, “Why am I being chastised while I have never harbored such insidious thoughts, and I am still your servant, and wholly at your command. What ill have I done to deserve this harsh treatment?” However, Isfandiyar’s entreaties were fruitless and he was straightaway ordered to be chained and confined in the fort of “Gonbadan Dezh”.
Arjasb invades Iran
In the meantime, the news of the confinement of Isfandiyar stimulated Arjasb to a further effort to
subdue Iran, and he dispatched a large army towards the kingdom. Taken by surprise, Gushtasb immediately assembled an army of chiefs and champions to resist Turanian troops. A bloody war broke out. But the Iranian army was not prepared and was soon surrounded. Many Iranian champions were killed. Apprehended by the contemplation of defeat, Gushtasb consulted Jamasp, his wise and competent vizier. Jamasp replied, “We would recover from the defeat through the exertions of Isfandiyar alone, as no other champion will be able to withstand the Turanian army. Therefore, order your men to unchain and bring him here.” Repentant of the cruelty he had been guilty of toward Isfandiyar, Gushtasb expressed deep regret of being deceived by the treachery of Guzarm, and of confining Isfandiyar.
Isfandiyar is released to rescue the kingdom
He ordered Jamasb to hasten to Gonbadan Dezh to unchain the young prince and pledged to resign to him the throne of empire for atonement. Jamasb rode immediately to the prison, took off Isfandiyar’s chains, and delivering the message, urged the prince to comply with his father’s entreaties. But Isfandiyar, who was embittered by deep suffering, replied, “I was always my father’s servant and fully at his command, but he disdained me, and ignominiously chained me in prison.” Jamasb persisted on his anxious solicitations begging his father’s pardon on the excuse that the king already was repentant of his past deed and anxious to resign the crown to him if he extended his assistance. Despite awareness of the king’s shallow promises, and apprehended by the prospect of Iranian defeat, Isfandiyar set out for the court. He was received with open arms, and the strongest attempts at conciliation. But Isfandiyar, who had percieved the perilous situation, expressed that he is in full readiness to immediately engage in war with the enemy.
Gurgsar requests permission to oppose Isfandiyar
When Arjasb heard that Isfandiyar had been reconciled to his father, he was affected with deepest concern. “Beware that Isfandiyar has been released.” He warned his chiefs, “He is approaching at the head of an immense army. He is peerless in valor and championship, and any endeavor to encounter him will be doomed to failure. So let us give up and retreat.” At the same time, Gorgsar, a Turanian champion, requested that he might be permitted to oppose Isfandiyar, saying that, “The enemy is in full retreat with many of its great warriors killed. Isfandiyar alone shall not be able to salvage them. So why should we be frightened?” Arjasb granted him permission with pledge to enrich him with enormous wealth.
Gurgsar is taken prisoner and Turanians are defeated
The next morning, the two armies arrayed against each other and shortly a bloody was ensued. Isfandiyar attacked the enemy like a furious lion and laid many of them lifeless in the dust. Other Iranian champions also rushed amidst the host of enemy until Gorgsar got on the field, where instantly wielding his bow, he shot an arrow at Isfandiyar. The prince deceitfully leant on the saddle and feigned wounded. When Gorgsar approached him, he dexterously flung the noose round the neck of his foe, who was pulled headlong from his horse. Isfandiyar bound his arms behind his back and dragged him a prisoner in front of the Persian ranks.
Apprehended by the contemplation of complete annihilation, Arjasb was compelled to quit fighting and effect his escape to Turan. Thus the Turanian Army was defeated again by the valor of Isfandiyar.
Isfandiyar proceeds to Arjasb by the Haft-Khan
The sisters of Isfandiyar were still in Arjasb’s confinement, and required by Gushtasb to be released and restored from his thrall. Isfandiyar was supplied with a force consisting of the best Iranian champions and proceeded on his enterprise to conquer the kingdom of Arjasb. The
prince also took Gorgsar along with him for guidance. Arjasb and his troops had taken refuge in the Rouin Dezh (the Brazen Fortress). Isfandiyar inquired the way from Gorgsar. “Then tell me the road to the Rouin Dezh, and how far it is distant from this place?”
“There are three different routes.“ replied Gorgsar, “One will occupy three months. It leads through a beautiful country adorned with gardens and pastures. This route is safe and pleasant. The second route is less pleasant and it employs only two months. This route is hot and dry where there is no supply of food or water. The third route, however, may be accomplished in seven days, but it is fraught with dangerous animals like lions, wolves and dragons.” Isfandiyar became thoughtful for a while, and resolved to take the shortest route. “But it has seven stages,” exclaimed Gorgsar, “and at every stage some monster, or terrible difficulty must be overcome to reach the Rouing Dezh.” But Isfandiyar adhered to what he had first resolved.
First Stage
They set off towards the Rouin Dezh, and proceeded to the first stage. Isfandiyar put the army at one of his chief’s command and moved ahead to be the first one to face the perils of the route. Suddenly two monstrous wolves appeared, as large as elephants, and whose teeth were of immense length, with two enormous horns on their heads. Isfandiyar seeing them advance, poured upon them a shower of arrow, and blood gushed out of their wounds. The wolves were exhausted by the arrows, which had penetrated their bodies. At this moment Isfandiyar attacked them, and the monsters were soon laid headless in the dust. Isfandiyar thanked Heaven for this victory. The warriors regarded him with amazement and were indeed astonished at the immensity of the wolves who had laid lifeless on the ground.
Second Stage
Proceeding on the second journey the following morning, they suddenly met with two wild and ferocious lions. Isfandiyar sallied forth against the lions, and with two mighty strokes put an end to their lives.
Third Stage
Having thus successfully accomplished the second day’s task, the prince and his army proceeded to the third journey. Isfandiyar inquired what might now be expected to oppose their progress, and Gorgsar replied, “An enormous dragon. His stupendous bulk looks like a mountain and fire sparkles from his hideous mouth.” Isfandiyar thought it necessary to be cautious, and with that view ordered a curious apparatus to be constructed on wheels, something like a carriage, to which he fastened a large quantity of pointed instruments, and harnessed horses to it to drag it on the road. He then placed a steel box on the carriage, entered the box, and drove off. The dragon heard the rumbling of the carriage, and stirred across the wilderness to devour it. IT stretched far its jaws and soon licked in the horses and the carriage and tried to gulp them down. But the sharp blades of the apparatus wounded his throat and red warm blood gushed out. Isfandiyar immediately leaped from his place of ambush, and brandishing his blade, split the monster’s head. A dark smoke was spread around, and the fiery dragon disappeared in the dark. Thus, the champion was reunited with his army to proceed on the fourth Journey.
Fourth Stage
On the way, Gorgsar endeavored to dissuade Isfandiyar from the enterprise, saying that, “Tomorrow you will meet with an enchantress, who tries to enthrall you. Amazing as your achievements certainly have been, you will have still greater exertion to make to accomplish this stage. Do not be arrogant and return!” “With the favor of Heaven,” replied Isfandiyar, “you shall see how easily this enchantress can be vanquished.” On the fourth day Isfandiyar and his companions proceeded on the journey, and coming to a pleasant meadow, the party alighted to refresh themselves with food and water. In a short space of time the enchantress appeared, most beautiful in features and elegant in attire. Isfandiyar soon perceived what she was, and forthwith cast a chain round her neck. “Beware, you shall not deceive me. Presently assume your true shape, or I’ll decapitate you.” She suddently assumed the shape of a decrepit old woman with an unbearably ugly face. On the sight of the witch, Isfandiyar prayed to the Providence and the witch dropped unconscious. As soon as this was done, a thick dark cloud of dust and vapor arose, and a shower of rain washed over. When it subsided, the enchantress had disappeared. His companion who were watching the scene from afar, were astonished and happily lauded him to the skies.
Fifth stage
But it was a matter of grief to Gorgsar who warned Isfandiya, “Tomorrow will be a heavy day, and you can hardly escape with life. Tomorrow you will be opposed by the Simourgh, whose nest is situated upon a lofty mountain. She is so enormous that she can pick up elephants and tigers with her beak and claws, and when she flies, darkness is spread around. Then spare our lives and go back!”
Regardless of Gorgsar’s entreaties, Isfandiyar decided to adopt the same stratagem which he had employed against the dragon, and the machine supplied with swords and spears, and drawn by horses, was soon in readiness for the new adventure. The Simourgh, seeing the vehicle, descended from the mountain, and endeavored to take up the whole apparatus in her claws; but her claws and wings were lacerated by the sharp blades. Isfandiyar immediately sprang out of the carriage and with his sword pierced her body and put her to death.
Six stage
He then summoned Gorgsar to his presence. “What will be our next adventure?” asked Isfandiyar. “Tomorrow the enterprise will not be like fighting against lions, dragons, or the Simourgh. Heavy snow will fall day and night, and will bury you and your companion. Even if you can accomplish the journey, you will encounter a dry and waste wilderness of sand as hot as fire, where there is no water or living creatures to be found during the whole journey.” The army on hearing this warning were alarmed, and proposed to go back; “We are hurrying ourselves to certain destruction.” Said they. But Isfandiyar consoled them saying, “God Almighty will make things easy.” On the following morning, there was violent tempest of wind, and heavy showers of snow fell three long days and nights. Isfandiyar and his warriors bent thermselves in solemn prayer to the Almighty, and implored his favor and protection from the calamity, which had befallen them. Their prayers were heard, Heaven was compassionate, and in a short space of time the snow and the wind entirely ceased, and the army was enabled to proceed.
Seventh Stage
They continued their journey, until they reached the place said to be covered with burning sand. But to their surprise there was no scorching land as Gorgsar had described. Isfandiyar was now furious at his insincerity and deception, and immediately punished his falsehood with death.
The army proceeded across the wilderness towards the Rouin Dezh.
Capture of the Rouin-Dezh and return of Isfandiyar
The Rouin Dezh was now at no great distance. They were only a short distance from the strong towers of the fortress, guarded by a host of armed men. Isfandiyar found the fortress strongly constructed with no accessible part for attack. Therefore, he assembled his officers to consider what was best to be done. Having reflected deeply and long, they finally determined upon entering the fort disguised as merchants. Isfandiyar then directed a hundred camels to be collected, which he loaded with valuable goods. Some of his warriors were also hidden in chests and the army champions disguised themselves as merchants. Thus the whole caravan set off towards the Rouin Dezh. The tidings of merchants having arrived with valuable goods for sale, soon reached the eats of Arjasb, who gave them permission to enter the fort. When the caravan got within the walls, they attended to the trade of their merchandise. Isfandiyar was allowed to be introduced to the king in person. He took with him precious jewels as present to the kind, and introduced himself as a wealthy merchant. He then requested to be allowed to give a splendid banquet and hoped that His Majesty would honor him with his presence on the occasion. The king accepted the invitation with satisfaction.
That night a splendid feast was held, and all the royal and warrior guests eagerly partook of the rich food and drink set before them. They soon became heavy and felt asleep. Seizing the opportunity, Isfandiyar and his champions slew the king and his warriors and restored his sisters to liberty from Arjasb’s thrall. Thus the Rouin Dezh was destructed by Isfandiyar and the Turanian troops were reduced to subjection. Isfandiyar, along with his sisters and his loyal army,. returned home with satisfaction.
The End
